Scotland Tours in December 2025
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10 best Scotland trips in December 2025
Compiled by
MelissaScotland travel expert at TourRadar
- Best of Scotland (Winter)
- Scotland in a Week (Classic, Winter)
- Winter Highlands & The Isle of Skye
- 9 Day Scotland - Edinburgh, Glasgow And Inverness
- 6 Day Edinburgh and Inverness By Train
- Scotland Culinary | 8 Days Self-Drive Tour
- Best of Scottish Lochs, the Highlands, Edinburgh and Glasgow in 6Days (Partially-guided, Independent)
- Taste of Scotland | 8 Days Self-Drive Tour
- Loch Ness & Highlands Express (Hotel) - 2 days
- 5 Day Glasgow And Inverness Including Loch Ness
Best of Scotland (Winter)
35 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Wonderful balance between historic and natural sights. Especially enjoyable were the unique visits with local famers and musicians.”
Charles, traveled in November
Duration 7 days Destinations Edinburgh, St Andrews, Pitlochry, Culloden, Isle of Skye, Glencoe, Glasgow Age Range 5 to 99 year olds Operator Trafalgar December departure dates
See All Departure Dates7 Dec, 2025 8 spaces left 21 Dec, 2025 9 spaces left From
- NZ$3,575
Scotland in a Week (Classic, Winter)
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Would highly recommend for someone looking to have a very fun-filled and packed trip.”
Megan, traveled in June
Duration 6 days Destinations Edinburgh, St Andrews, Stirling, Inverness, Loch Ness, Aviemore, Glasgow Age Range 18 to 35 year olds Operator Contiki December departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left 8 Dec, 2025 10 spaces left From $1,875
15% Off- NZ$1,594You save $281
Winter Highlands & The Isle of Skye
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This would be an adventure to remember. We felt safe and relaxed as we wound our way through the diverse landscapes.”
Elena, traveled in March
Duration 3 days Destinations Edinburgh, Glencoe, Fort William, Eilean Donan, Isle of Skye, Portree, Loch Ness, Fort Augustus, Dunkeld Age Range 5 to 99 year olds Operator Highland Explorer Tours December departure dates
See All Departure Dates6 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left 10 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From
15% Off- NZ$609
Duration 9 days Destinations Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator STM Tours LLC December departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Dec, 2025 10 spaces left 2 Dec, 2025 10 spaces left From $5,804
5% Off- NZ$5,514You save $290
Duration 6 days Destinations Edinburgh, Inverness Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator STM Tours LLC December departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Dec, 2025 10 spaces left 2 Dec, 2025 10 spaces left From $2,557
5% Off- NZ$2,430You save $127
Duration 8 days Destinations Glasgow, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Stirling, Fort William, Inverness, Loch Ness, Edinburgh Age Range 12 to 85 year olds Operator BTOURS December departure dates
See All Departure Dates24 Dec, 2025 4 spaces left 25 Dec, 2025 4 spaces left From $3,561
5% Off- NZ$3,384You save $178
Duration 6 days Destinations Edinburgh, Glasgow Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator WiseYatra December departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left 2 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From $2,959
15% Off- NZ$2,515You save $443
Duration 8 days Destinations Glasgow, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Fort William, Glenfinnan, Fort Augustus, Loch Ness, Inverness, Aviemore, Cairngorms National Park, PitlochrySee all destinations Age Range 1 to 95 year olds Operator BTOURS December departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Dec, 2025 4 spaces left 2 Dec, 2025 4 spaces left From $2,673
5% Off- NZ$2,540You save $133
Duration 2 days Destinations Edinburgh, Pitlochry, Aviemore, Inverness, Loch Ness, Glencoe Age Range 5 to 99 year olds Operator On The Go Tours December departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left 2 Dec, 2025 4 spaces left From $1,335
15% Off- NZ$1,135You save $200
Duration 5 days Destinations Glasgow, Inverness Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator STM Tours LLC December departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Dec, 2025 10 spaces left 2 Dec, 2025 10 spaces left From $3,349
5% Off- NZ$3,182You save $167
What people love about Scotland Tours in December
- Best of Scotland (Winter)
Stephanie and Steven couldn't have done a better job!! Knowledgeable, personable and hard working. They made everyone feel welcome and safe.
- 2-day Outlander Tour (Small Group)
This tour was incredible! Absolutely recommend it for any Outlander fans. Even non-outlander fans can enjoy it though!!
- Skye, The Highlands & Loch Ness - from Glasgow
I went on the 3 day Highland and Isle of Skye tour and it was fantastic. The bus driver was entertaining and friendly and open to suggestions on what the tour group was interested in. In winter you are definitely restricted on daylight hours and the weather and the guide was up for anything. We had time limits at each location, but what's 20 extra minutes among friends. He had excellent local knowledge and I would definitely recommend Timberbush to future travellers. We were on the last tour (nearly) for the season and hardly anything was open which meant we didn't have many food and coffee stops, but when we did stop it was great.
What our customers ask about Scotland Tours in December 2025
What weather can I expect in Scotland during December?
Scotland's December weather means cold temperatures from -2°C to 7°C (28-45°F). Edinburgh and Glasgow stay a bit warmer than Highland areas like Inverness. The weather pattern includes regular rain and some snow in the Highlands. Days are short with the sun setting early around 3:30pm. One TourRadar traveler noted: "The winter weather added an ethereal atmosphere to the Highland landscapes though having proper winter gear was essential."
What are the most popular Christmas events and festivals in Scotland during December?
Edinburgh's Christmas Market fills Princes Street Gardens with craft stalls food vendors and carnival attractions. Over in Glasgow the George Square Christmas Festival brings a festive spirit with its ice rink and light displays. Inverness celebrates with a Highland-themed Winter Wonderland festival. The historic Royal Mile transforms into a holiday destination with TourRadar travelers noting the "enchanting holiday atmosphere along the historic streets."
Which Scottish destinations are best to visit in December?
City experiences in Edinburgh and Glasgow offer protection from winter weather with their markets and museums. The Scottish Highlands near Inverness and Fort William show off snow-touched mountains. The Isle of Skye presents stark winter beauty but weather can limit access. Accommodations like Edinburgh's Apex Waterloo Place Hotel or Portree's Tongadale Hotel give visitors warm bases for winter exploration.
Are Highland tours still operating in December?
Highland tours continue through December adjusting routes based on conditions. Popular stops include Glencoe Loch Ness and Fort William. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Our December Highland tour with Rabbie's was magical with the snow-covered mountains though some hiking routes were adjusted for safety." Tour companies use winter-ready vehicles and guides who know how to handle seasonal challenges.
What are the best indoor attractions to visit in Scotland during December?
Edinburgh offers shelter from winter at the National Museum of Scotland and Royal Yacht Britannia. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow welcomes visitors year-round. Whisky enthusiasts can warm up at Glenturret Distillery in Crieff. The Old Waverley Hotel places guests near these indoor options. According to one TourRadar reviewer: "The museums were perfect for the December weather and the whisky tastings kept us warm and entertained."
What kind of accommodation options are available in Scotland during December?
Winter stays range from small B&Bs to upscale hotels. Edinburgh's Pentahotel offers modern comfort while Inverness's Royal Highland Hotel keeps Scottish traditions. As shared by a TourRadar traveler: "The B&B's were clean and the breakfasts ranged from good (Inverness) to excellent (Oban Portree)." Places like the Columba Hotel Inverness and Dalmore Guest House provide winter refuge with seasonal packages.